Keane hints at early retirement: report

Manchester United's tough-tackling midfielder Roy Keane has given a big hint he may retire sooner than expected because of his serious injury problems, the Sun reported in the UK on Saturday.

The 31-year-old has already quit the international scene with the Republic of Ireland in an attempt to extend his playing career with United.

However Keane fears the hip and knee troubles which have dogged him in recent years could still force him to end his career sooner rather than later.

Ahead of Sunday's League Cup final against Liverpool, Keane said: "I haven't got a clue how much longer I've got. With the injuries I have had it could well be before the three years I have left on my contract.

"Seriously, all I can do physically is look at the next match because injuries take their toll in the end. They catch up with you. I just feel good that I am in this final because I could be looking to leave football sooner rather than later.

"I'm 31 now and people say I could play into my mid-thirties but that's nonsense talk. I think it is sooner rather than later that I will be looking to leave it. I think it will be very, very unrealistic that I will be playing in my mid-thirties."